Rio Secreto and Playa del Carmen, Mexico

Rio Secreto~A Nature Reserve that’ll take your breath away

The discovery of Río Secreto, previously known as Pool Tunich, has brought much excitement to Quintana Roo.  This system of caves, formed over centuries by an underground river, is located only a few miles from Playa del Carmen. It is by far the longest partially flooded cave in the Yucatan Peninsula, but what makes Río Secreto even more special is the fact that it is semi-sunken.  Most caves found in the Yucatan are underwater, and if you want to explore them, you must receive specialized training in cave diving. That requires lots of practice and study, as well as a hefty investment in diver certification and dive gear. Río Secreto has more than 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) of semi-sunken cave mapped out with 15 natural outlets located in different areas. There’s nothing else like it!

 

"Río Secreto is the new ecological inspiration of our region. It has recently been designated as one of Mexico’s most distinct and alluring nature reserves, and this unique destination is quickly becoming the pride of all Mexicans.  

Visitors often feel transformed by their journey deep inside Río Secreto. It’s a rare and exotic opportunity to admire the unequaled beauty of our beloved Mexico and Mother Earth. A journey through Río Secreto is surreal, mystical and memorable. Whether you’re an adventurer, world traveler, or simply a curious soul, we welcome you to experience one of the most intriguing natural attractions in the Riviera Maya. " ~Rio Secreto

Río Secreto is an underground river system located approximately 5 Kilometers (3 miles) southwest of Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo. The caves are easily accessible via Cancun-Tulum Highway 307 Km 283.5.

Most tours of Río Secreto include transportation from Cancun and the Riviera Maya, but you can also find it via public transportation, taxi or car. The entrance to Río Secreto is conveniently right next to the highway. 

Contact info:  http://www.riosecreto.com.  Mex 01-800-681-6713    USA/CA (888)-844-5010

Tour Hours: Daily at 9:00 a.m. | 10:00 a.m. | 12:00 p.m. | 13:00 p.m. | 14:00 p.m
Price:  Adults: $69.00 USD Children: $34.50 USD (4 to 11 Years Old)
Duration: 3 ½ hours

Playa del Carmen


Puerto Aventuras lies about 20 minutes south of Playa. This planned development has a marina, where you can swim with dolphins or rent a fishing boat. The marina is surrounded by shops and restaurants. Puerto Aventuras also has a 9-hole golf course. There's a free museum, CEDAM (Club de Exploraciones y Deportes Acuáticos de México), which displays items found on shipwrecks along the coast. These waters have sunk many ships over the centuries .

Mayan Ruins The Yucatan peninsula is unique for its many Mayan ruins. They are all over the place. There actually some in the town of Playa del Carmen and in Playacar. One can be found on Quinta Avenida, between Calles 12 and 14, another one inside the gates of the budget hostel/camping ground La Ruina on Calle 2 by the beach and yet another one in Playacar. These small coastal outposts are hints of the grand scale of the prolific and ancient Maya world. Many of the most amazing sites are near Playa, including Chichén Itzá, Cobá and Tulum. Do try and visit at least one of them.

Fun Places to Stay

La Tortuga Hotel & Spa
A boutique style adult-only hotel in Playa del Carmen, with its unique oasis design and built especially for romance and relaxation where exclusivity is felt right down to the smallest details. They have 51 rooms and some of them are even swim up rooms!
10th Avenue between 12th and 14th Street North - Playa del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico 77710
Toll-free number:1-866-550-6878 (Usa and Canada)http://www.hotellatortuga.com/

2 floors Cabana~Home Rental
The property is a green piece of tropical vegetation located in the best spot of Playa del Carmen in the 38th street between the famous 5th avenue and the beach (shangri-la). One of the cool features is a very amazing private outdoor bathroom with hot water, made of wood, plants and river stones, which becomes just magic at night. The roof is palapa and cement walls. Also on property:
- pool.
- professional massages
- "Regina" mexican restaurant serving authentic meals from the region
Prices start from $80 a night. https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/299719

 

Where's it at?

 

Costa Rican Tree House

Will that be the Frog or the Monkey? Or perhaps the Sloth or the Toucan?

These are just a few of the names for some of the tree houses you can stay in while exploring luscious Costa Rica. They are located in Santa Clara, San Carlos, Costa Rica. Only 2 hours from San Jose and you will be immersed in the jungle ready to relax and explore.

 

"We have six tree houses (each very private) on 10 acres and we are surrounded by a 70-acre wildlife refuge with a waterfall, pools to swim and a beautiful river....Lots of birds and wildlife on the property. A full and delicious breakfast is served each morning in our rancho. We offer a night hike with Rolando free of charge and it's a great time.

The Toucan, Sloth and Frog tree houses are all private and very cozy with a loft for the kids or adventurous adults. The Monkey and Hummingbird tree houses are both private with one level and much larger. The Yiguirro tree house is our most luxurious and private tree house. All tree houses offer rustic yet comfortable accommodations. Each tree house has air conditioning, warm-water showers, a refrigerator, safe and a large deck to relax and enjoy the rain forest. All accommodations are on the same property and are within a short walk of one another." ~Tree Houses Hotel Costa Rica.

 

 

Rates are $98 to $140 + tax a night for double occupancy.

Tree House Rates Include:

A full delicious breakfast, juice and all the Costa Rican coffee you can drink. Full access to our 70-acre wildlife refuge with waterfall and dipping pools. Help with setting up adventure tours and ideas for things to do off the beaten path. Safe parking right at your tree house. Driving directions to your next location.

There is a lot to do while in Costa Rica. There is a Safari Float by Canoe or Kayak, Venado Cave tour, hike rain forest trails to Rio Celeste Waterfall, Volcano hikes, visit a wild animal rescue center Proyecto Asis, hike the Hanging Bridges, go Zip lining through jungle canopies, and join a guide for a hike at Lake Arenal for an amazing display of tropical birds. All within close proximity to your tree house!
http://treehouseshotelcostarica.com